Dentists | Pay in Northern Ireland

LAST UPDATED: April 2026

How does the DDRBs recent recommendation on pay affect me?

The DDRB 54th report was published on 25 March 2026. It recommended:

3.5% uplift recommended for hospital dentists
3.75% uplift for Community Dental Services dentists and pay element for GDPs.

The Minister has accepted the recommendations in principle.

The timeline of when 2026-27 uplifts will be received is dependent on when the NI Executive budget is agreed.

We have written to the NI Executive on this and other matters, as these delays in implementing the DDRB recommendations are unacceptable.

Our current fees guide relates to the April 2026 SDR as published by BSO.

We will update our Fees Guide for 26-27 when the new SDR (reflecting the 26-27 DDRB uplift) is made available to us.

Northern Ireland Fees Guide

Members can download the SDR Fees Guide 2026.

Northern Ireland: Scale of funding gap sinking Health Service dentistry confirmed

Read the newly published Cost-of-Service Report, and the next steps.

Northern Ireland: Urgent update sought on DDRB implementation

We have requested an urgent update on progress being made to implement this year’s pay award and associated recommendations in a joint letter from BDA NI Chairs to Health Minister Robbie Butler.

Northern Ireland: Assembly unanimous on need for urgency to deal with dental crisis

Members of the Legislative Assembly have passed an Assembly motion calling on the Minister of Health to develop a new oral health strategy to reform dental services, address workforce challenges and expedite dental payment reform. Also, to introduce specific measures to address barriers to accessing dental care in all communities.

Northern Ireland: Campaign for fair pay for hospital dentists

We are seeking the views of our HDS NI members - Residents, Specialty, Associate Specialist, and Specialist (SAS) and Consultants - on the latest pay position.

Northern Ireland: NI Executive urged to act decisively to support dentistry

Our work pressing for timely payments, and a reminder of key payment dates.

Northern Ireland: Earlier payment date confirmed for 2025-26 General Dental Services arrears

Our intervention on the unacceptable delay has resulted in accelerated payments.

Northern Ireland: Update on DDRB pay uplift payment dates

The latest on DDRB fee uplifts and other payments.

Northern Ireland: Pay uplift approved

Dentists to receive backdated uplift, with commitments to prioritising future pay awards.

Northern Ireland: Update on DDRB, Expenses and Cost-of-Service Review

Minister responds as clarity sought on a range of GDS issues.

Northern Ireland: Minister responds on GDS concerns

Further information relating to ‘General Dental Services investment 2025-26’ have been outlined by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.

Northern Ireland: Minister outlines his approach to GDS ‘Investment Proposals’ for 2025-26, National Insurance and DDRB

The Minister has shared with us an outline of the approach he has decided to take in relation to the long-awaited ‘Investment Proposals’ for 2025-26.

Northern Ireland: Demanding clarity on backpay

We are insisting on urgent clarity on pay for GDPs in Northern Ireland, following a Department of Health announcement that backdated pay will not be implemented until at least May 2025.